A Heartfelt Ode to Office Life, Courtesy of Vogue’s 9 to 5 Video

This article is part of Vogue’s Past/Present column, in which images and articles from Vogue and Vogue online that have personal significance to our editors will be highlighted.

I never thought I’d say this, but I miss the office. I miss my desk and the mini Buddha statue on it—a gift from my spiritual aunt to help soothe workday stress. I miss the camaraderie, and also my noise-canceling headphones. I miss the routine: get up, get coffee, work out, shower, walk to One World Trade, ride the elevator, park it in front of my monitor.

Today, conducting business from bed for the fifth day in a row amid the coronavirus outbreak, I am starting to feel like one of Charlie Bucket’s grandparents in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. It’s not all bad of course, and I am grateful to have a wonderful home to work from during this time of pain and panic. Still, I find myself longing for the Fridays when, after hours of cranking out content with my fellow Vogue editors, a happy hour was in sight and plans for a fun, active weekend were forming.

Maybe that’s why Dolly Parton’s title song to the 1980 flick 9 to 5, and the karaoke video Vogue digital made using it is giving me life. The tune is joyful and motivating, like a pump-up song for those on the grind. “Tumble outta bed and stumble to the kitchen, pour myself a cup of ambition, yawn and stretch and try to come alive.” It’s especially powerful for women: The movie is one of the most iconic feminist revenge fantasies of all time.

“Workin’ 9 to 5: Inside the Vogue Office!” was directed by Charlotte Wales and starred models in spring 2018 looks by New York designers, styled by Jorden Bickham. Joan Smalls, Elsa Hosk, Kate Upton, and co. dance their way to work, take conference calls and board meetings, and sway over copy machines in Helmut Lang shirting, Victoria Beckham skirt suits, Tom Ford jackets, and Calvin Klein boots. I dare you to watch it and not smile.

I admit now that I may have taken my office life for granted. Looking back on the video, none of which I can take credit for, I feel lucky for my own 9-to-5 job and the wildly creative people I interact with every single day.